As energy boom nears cities, a backlash grows

DENVER (AP) -- Colorado is trying to regulate an energy boom that is coming closer and closer to suburban homes and schools.

State regulators earlier this month passed new regulations requiring that rigs stay at least 500 feet back from occupied buildings.

Colorado and other states are trying to figure out how to protect residents' health and desire for quiet in their neighborhoods without stifling a surge in energy exploration that may allow the United States to surpass Saudi Arabia as the world's top energy producer.

The reaction to Colorado's new rules shows how hard that will be. Environmentalists complain there are too many loopholes. Industry officials say they're too burdensome.

KKCO firmly believes in freedom of speech for all and we are happy to provide this forum for the community to share opinions and facts. We ask that commenters keep it clean, keep it truthful, stay on topic and be responsible. Comments left here do not necessarily represent the viewpoint of KKCO 11News.

Online Public Information File

Viewers with disabilities can get assistance accessing this station's FCC Public Inspection File by contacting the station with the information listed below. Questions or concerns relating to the accessibility of the FCC's online public file system should be directed to the FCC at 888-225-5322, 888-835-5322 (TTY), or fccinfo@fcc.gov.